"This is stupid," the King growled, standing in front of his full length mirror. Behind him, his best soldier, not including himself, stood and watched him. "I do not wish to be married, and even if I did, Princess Orihime is not the woman I would have chosen." His crown sat on the table to his right, resting on a large, overstuffed red pillow. "She isn't fit to rule a kingdom."

Renji stepped forward, "Sir, I know Princess Orihime isn't your first choice, but you can't tell me you don't see what her kingdom can bring to ours. Not only that, but it has been shown time and time again that she is not only skilled in medicine, but battle as well. You two would be a good match." The soldier kept his head bowed, hand resting on the large sword that rested against his hip.

Looking over at his good friend, the man sighed, "I know. I know. She is a wonderful woman, but I just...I don't feel..." Swallowing, he shrugged and grabbed his crown. Placing it on his head, he straightened out his shirt. "She'll be arriving soon."

Together, the men exited the room and headed to the great hall. "How has your practices been going?" Renji asked as he kept pace with his leader. "Toshiro has said you're advancing quickly. Which I would take as a compliment. You know how he can be," he said with a grin.

Ichigo flashed his own teeth in return, letting out a soft chuckle. "They've been going well. Toshio is a good teacher, which I hadn't expected, given his age. I'm glad we found him when we did. I can't imagine his skill in the hands of another kingdom." They'd found the young man almost a year ago, battling an Espada fighter. The Espada was another kingdom, a great rival of the Kurosaki kingdom. Ichigo, along with Renji and a few other of their comrades helped Toshiro gain the upper hand and had brought him back with them to have his wounds healed.

"Agreed. I suppose it's good he hates the Espada's as much as we do, eh?" The red head asked, his smile never wavering. "But enough of the young man, I've heard some things about the Inoue kingdom I found to be rather interesting."

Not one to engage in gossip, Ichigo groaned, "Renji, I do not care about these interesting things you've learned."

Laughing, Renji clasped his Prince on the shoulder, "Ah, but I'm going to tell you anyway. I hear she keeps a group of warrior's with her at almost all times. Much like you with myself, Toshiro, Chad, and Shuhei." He watched as Ichigo's brow shot up, meaning he'd caught his attention. "They say they're all very skilled and without them, the Inoue kingdom would've fallen many years ago."

"Female warriors," Ichigo muttered, frowning. He soon shrugged, "Alright, you're right. It is interesting. However, it is not important."

"Never said it was," Renji replied with a shrug, dropping his hand from Ichigo's shoulder. "Are you ready?" He asked as they finally approached the door that lead to the great hall.

Reaching up to adjust the crown atop his orange mess of hair, he sighed and rolled his shoulders. "I suppose as ready as I'll ever be."

Nodding, Renji pushed the large doors open and a man's voice filled the air, announcing Ichigo's arrival. He swept in, the air around him immediately changing. His face was expressionless as his golden eyes took in the surroundings of the room. Princess Orihime hadn't been allowed in yet, but there were a few others who were awaiting the exchange between the two of them.

Descending up to his thrown, he plopped down into it. Renji stood by his side, taking in the sight of the other soldier's placed around the room. "Alright, you're all clear," he spoke just loud enough for Ichigo to hear.

"Send them in," Ichigo announced loudly.

"He is not fit to be King," a voice spoke harshly, glancing over at the woman beside it. "He is impulsive, stubborn. Your kingdom would be better off without him."

Sighing softly, Princess Orihime tightly gripped the soft pink silk of her dress that rested on her lap. "He is not so bad. And he's been King since he was fifteen, I think he's done quite well."

Snorting, Rukia glanced over out the window off the carriage. "He has only done so well because my brother has been helping him. Without my brother's guidance, he'd be completely lost."

"Now Rukia, you know how hard it is to lose a family member. And he's lost two. It must be hard for him," Orihime's voice was soft and compassionate. She'd lost her brother many years ago and knew that it was not easy to lose a family member.

The black haired woman sighed, leaning back against the seat and turned to the princess again. "His father is still around, he's just not fit to rule."

Licking her lips, Orihime went back to tugging at the skirt of her dress. "I dunno. But I'd rather not talk about it any longer, Rukia." Nodding, the female warrior kept her mouth shut.

The arrived at the Kurosaki kingdom within moments after their conversation ended and Rukia exited the carriage, her violet eyes taking in her fellow warriors as they dismounted from their horses. "All clear, Tatsuki?" She called.

Tatsuki nodded, her hand resting against the sword against her side. "Yes Lady Kuchiki. Rangiku and Momo took a long look around and have reported that it is safe." Behind Tatuki, Yoruichi and Sui-Feng stood by their mounts.

Nodding back, Rukia stepped out and turned to help Princess Orihime out of the carriage. Strawberry blonde hair rippled in the wind that was tugging her dress around her body. She smiled at the other women, "Thank you as always, soldiers. I hope you know how much I appreciate your accompanying myself and Rukia."

Riding up, Rangiku and Momo quickly dismounted and bowed in respect. "Princess Orihime, Lady Rukia. The surrounding area has been searched. All is well."

Orihime smiled as the Kurosaki warriors approached, "Ah, and I see the welcoming committee has come to say hello."

There was something wrong though as the men rushed over, "Princess Orihime, return to your carriage! There's been an attack!" They screamed, getting closer. From where they stood, Rukia could see the panicked looks of them men and grabbed for her sword. "Momo, into the cart with Orihime!" She ordered, rushing over to grab the young woman's horse. "Stay in there with her until we're sure all is well!"

While Orihime wanted to argue, she knew that it was best if she allowed her warriors to take care of the problem. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of men and women, swords raised as they rode in on their horses. They wore the traditional white robes trimmed in black, signifying they were Espada. "Rukia, Espada!" Orihime warned, pointing in the direction of the oncoming attack.

"Into the carriage now!" Rukia screamed, throwing herself onto the back of the gold mare. "Ready yourself, women!" She barked, unsheathing her sword as Orihime and Momo climbed into the somewhat safety of the carriage. "Keep them back! You there," she shouted, pointing at the Kurosaki warriors that had come to help. "Surround the carriage. No enemy is to come near it, understood?"

Not waiting, she spurred her horse forward, sword raised. "Charge!" Behind her, the other soldiers screamed, swords high above their heads as they rushed their enemies.